Authorities foil shipment of Chinese military drones to Libya
Italian authorities intercepted Chinese military drones, Wing Loong, being transported to Libya under the guise of parts for wind turbines. We explain the capabilities of these Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles and provide insights into the whole situation.
As reported by the newspaper "The Libya Observer," the drones were transported in parts, hidden in several containers. Customs officers attempted to be outsmarted not only by this disguise but also by mixing parts of the disassembled drones with elements for wind turbines.
Failed smuggling of Chinese military drones
The Italians intercepted the shipment, which had departed from the southern Chinese port of Yantian, at the port of Gioia Tauro in Calabria. This was accomplished thanks to information from American intelligence. The reason for confiscating the Chinese equipment was the international embargo imposed on weapons delivered to Libya.
Everything indicates that the Chinese drones were supposed to reach the port of Benghazi to support the forces of General Khalifa Haftar, the leader of the Libyan opposition. For some time now, there have been reports suggesting that the United States is increasingly concerned about Haftar's growing ties with Russia and China. A few weeks ago, also with the help of Americans, a ship with Russian weapons heading to the same port in Libya was seized in Italy.
Wing Loong drones: what kind of equipment is it?
The Defense Express portal, specializing in military topics, described the Wing Loong drones as "equivalents of the Bayraktar TB2". They are designed for use as an observation and reconnaissance platform but can be equipped with air-to-ground weapons, thus also serving a strike role.
Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles are characterized by a length of just over 9 metres and a wingspan of about 14 metres. Their takeoff weight reaches 1,100 kilograms, and the combat load can be up to 200 kilograms. They can travel at a maximum speed of 280 kilometres per hour, at an altitude of up to 5,000 metres. The range and flight duration declared by the manufacturer are 40 kilometres and 20 hours, respectively.
NATO military specialists may thoroughly examine Chinese drones to understand their precise equipment and performance. Such practices have been conducted for a long time by hostile countries. A few days ago, a set of sonar buoys dropped by the American patrol aircraft P-8A Poseidon fell into Chinese hands, considered a significant blunder by the United States. As a result, China is likely to learn the technologies used in this American equipment.